How are congregations dealing with care for their elders?

Congregations are using multiple strategies to care for their elders. Priorities are quality, cost effective care that promotes the value of the member, meaningful participation in community activities and opportunities for ongoing personal development and spiritual growth. In major urban areas such as Chicago, St. Louis, and New Orleans multiple congregations sponsor inter-congregational retirement care facilities. Smaller congregations sometimes partner with larger congregations to share space in the larger congregation's facility. Some congregations provide assisted living care within their convents but rely on outside facilities for skilled care.